State government spokesperson Temjen Imna Along has called for a crucial meeting between the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and the 20 MLAs representing the region to discuss the demand for the creation of a Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT). During a public event on Monday, Along emphasized that while the ENPO has requested the state government to draft a proposal for FNT, a formal dialogue between the ENPO and the Eastern Nagaland Legislators’ Union (ENLU) is essential before any further steps can be taken.
“The state cabinet is hopeful about drafting the proposal soon, but the ENPO and MLAs must first align on what is realistically achievable,” Along stated, stressing the importance of legislators actively engaging in the conversation, as they represent the people’s interests. The ENPO has long advocated for a separate state comprising six districts in eastern Nagaland, citing decades of neglect. Recently, the seven tribes from this region boycotted the Lok Sabha and civic elections in protest.
Additionally, Along addressed concerns raised by the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) over the state’s demand for a new interlocutor in the Naga peace talks. He urged patience and unity until the Centre responds, stating, “We must come together and find a unified approach for dialogue with Delhi.”
